Why Storytelling is a Powerful Way to Recognise and Celebrate Volunteers

In the world of volunteering, recognition matters. Not just in grand gestures or formal awards, but in ways that speak personally to the individual behind the contribution. One of the most powerful and authentic ways to recognise volunteers is by sharing their stories.

In a recent campaign, Volunteering New Zealand invited volunteers to reflect on their experiences. We named our campaign Harikoa – stories of joy, as the word "harikoa" in Māori means to be joyful.

We invited volunteers to answer a few simple, heartfelt questions:

• How did you get started in volunteering?
• What has your volunteering journey been like?
• What experience lifted your heart or warmed your soul?
• What gave you hope in people or the planet?
• What impact has volunteering had on you personally and for your organisation?
• Have you made new connections through volunteering?

The responses were honest, inspiring, and deeply moving. More than that, they became a rich resource for celebration, connection, and ongoing recognition.

Why Should Organisations Share Volunteer Stories?

When organisations invite volunteers to share their own journeys, they’re doing more than collecting content; they’re honouring individuals in a way that is meaningful, human, and lasting.

This approach supports the principle within our Best Practice Guidelines (Practice area 6, Celebrate Volunteer Impact): Volunteer contribution and impact are acknowledged and celebrated in ways that are meaningful to the volunteer.

Rather than offering a generic “thank you”, storytelling gives volunteers the opportunity to reflect, be seen, and be celebrated for who they are, not just what they do.

How We Used Volunteer Stories to Celebrate and Inspire

If your organisation is looking for new ways to recognise volunteers, here’s how we used storytelling across different platforms and events, and how you might do the same:

⭐ Shared Stories on Social Media

We featured volunteer stories across our social media channels during National Volunteer Week and The Big Shout Out for the month of June – not just to recognise the individuals, but to encourage the wider community to join in and thank volunteers too. The stories sparked engagement, connection, and public appreciation. They became a rallying point for celebrating volunteering at all levels.

🎉 Invited Story-Sharers to a Special Event

We also selected three of our story contributors to attend a National Volunteer Week celebration at Parliament as a gesture of recognition and gratitude. It was a powerful reminder that volunteer voices belong in the heart of national conversations about community and service.

📣 Kept the Stories Going Year-Round

Because saying "thank you" shouldn’t be limited to one week, we continued the momentum with Shout Out Sundays on social media. Each week, we highlight a volunteer, share a snippet of their story, and publicly thank them. It’s a simple, consistent way to weave gratitude into the rhythm of our year and it keeps the volunteer community visible and celebrated.

Why Storytelling Works

• It validates the volunteer’s experience. Sharing a story gives volunteers a voice and often, a moment to realise just how much they have contributed.
• It inspires others. Real stories connect. They can spark new volunteer sign-ups, donations, or even policy shifts.
• It builds connection. Stories break down barriers. They help people understand one another, form new relationships, and build a stronger sense of community.

How to Start a Storytelling Initiative in Your Organisation

1. Use thoughtful prompts. The ones we used (above) guided volunteers to reflect on meaningful moments, not just tasks or hours.
2. Respect volunteer preferences. Allow people to share in writing, video, or photos.
3. Feature the stories where people will see them. Social media, newsletters, websites, events; each channel offers a new way to celebrate.
4. Make it ongoing. Recognition isn’t just for a season. Build regular storytelling, like our Shout Out Sundays, into your year-round volunteer engagement.

Recognition that Resonates

Our experience proved that storytelling helps people feel connected, valued, and seen. And when done well, it doesn’t just acknowledge the impact volunteers have, it celebrates who they are.

We encourage other organisations to try this approach. Use story to thank, uplift, and connect. Because every volunteer has a story and sharing it just might inspire the next.

Thinking of starting your own volunteer storytelling initiative?

We’re happy to share what worked for us and what we learned along the way (email office@volunteeringnz.org.nz). Let’s keep recognising and celebrating the people who make our communities stronger, one story at a time.